There are all kinds of interesting things to write about other than
me, but I suppose I should share a little. I was born and raised in
Maine. I've lived in
various places, mostly around the Northeast and yet somehow found
myself back here in Maine near where I grew up.

I've been, in no particular order, an engineer, a lifeguard, an
academician, a ski instructor, a researcher, a writer, a
consultant, an airline pilot, and farmer*.

I put the asterisk next to the farmer because that was sort of
short-lived. Nevertheless, I learned a few things while farming as
a twelve-year old. I didn't list being a student, because we're all
students going forward, or at least should be.....

I am relatively laid back. I'm doing things I enjoy and have a
mostly stress-free and happy existence. I have friends of all ages
and feel comfortable talking with almost anyone.

I think dating can be fun in of itself, even when it turns out
there isn't chemistry. It's all about expectations. My expectation
is just to meet someone and have fun getting to know them. If there
is chemistry, then all the better. I think it would be great to
meet someone I might fall head over heels for, but I think it is a
mistake to expect that or to think that is a prerequisite for a
happy and healthy existence. I like the idea of meeting new and
interesting friends as an end in itself.

Here on okcupid, I used to believe Match % is at least as important
as anything that can be gleaned from pictures or a one page
profile. I think Match % is more 'honest'. However, I've yet to
actually date anyone here who is a really high match (i.e., >
90%). I've met a few really awesome people who were relatively low
matches, but I still put a certain faith in the math. I guess you
never really know until you get into the same room ;)

Sometimes I think I should be more proactive about dating. It just
hasn't been something I've put much effort into amongst all the
other stuff going on in life, but as the lottery slogan says, "You
can't win if you don't play."

Playing ice
hockey. I'm still trying to keep up with the 20'somethings at
the rink.

Bicycling. I
have a road bike and a mountain bike and really enjoy them both,
but road cycling has started to turn into a real passion. I've
started doing some longer rides. I've been riding with a few groups
in Portland and have met a great group of new friends. Maybe in
2015 I can put more miles on my bike than my car. Want to go on an
epic cycling adventure. I'm in.

Skiing. I don't ski
much anymore, but you could probably talk me into going without
trying too hard.

(d) music:
The list could be long and distinguished, like abolishionist Ben
Franklin's biography, but the best of the best all begin with "B":
The Beatles,
Beck, Bishop Allen, and
the Freewheelin' Bob
Dylan. Basically I like all sorts of music, but I don't think
musical taste is very important in a match.

(e) food: It is with great conviction that I proclaim
that I am not picky. I like just about anything, so long as it is
horribly bad for me. I like most everything else, too. The
lobster
(pronounced lob-STAH here in Maine) is good. I like the steamers (pronounced
steam-AHHHS)(i.e., steamed clams) even better
though.

One of my favorite places in Portland is J's Oyster Bar. If you ever
visit, you should check it out. It's sort of a classy dive, with
great food and strong drinks. I usually order a lobster roll, a
bowl of lobster stew, and a Bloody Mary. I call this J's Hat Trick,
but if you ask for that they'll have no clue what your talking
about.

There are three kinds of people in the world: those who can count
and those who cannot count. Actually, there are really only 10
types of people in the world: those who understand binary, and
those who don't.

My friends and family are probably the only things I could never do
without - They are those who really count, regardless of whether or
not they understand binary or count to six.

My brother Chris was the creator of this swank site. I originally
came here at his request to test it out back in 2004. That is done.
Here is a little known fact for you. It is propitious that early
testers swayed Chris not to call this site thepetar's
Steaming Hot Bowl of Love Matches.com as he originally
planned, because it is doubtful that thepetar's Steaming Hot Bowl of Love
Matches.com would have so rapidly become ubiquitous. Indeed,
okcupid has become so deeply woven into the very fabric of our
culture that the ever clashing question of "Should I (or you) stay
or should I (or you) go?" is no longer moot.

You'd rather go flying or riding, swimming or skiing, or be out on
the ocean or beach than browsing the Internet. You like going fast,
in one way or another. Slow women are ok, too. You're cool with
friendship if that's where it goes.

I usually get a chuckle out of the profiles that turned this
question into "You shouldn't message me if". That said, you should
not message me if the only Joy in your life is a dish-washing
liquid. I probably don't want to see nude pictures of your vagina,
either, but if that is somehow therapeutic for you then have at it,
just don't expect me to reciprocate. That in fact would be
impossible.